To My Grandmother (1900-1999) Poem by Kurt Philip Behm

I store you inside me
under a blanket of pearls

They lie strung together
as my history unfurls

Each one to unstring
when I need it the most

Your wisdom translucent
your memory my host

You loved me before
I ever knew who I was

My freedom you shepherd
reaching down from above

Though years have grown distant
they forever remind

Of your goodness and blessings
—Oh Catherine of mine

(Villanova Pennsylvania: July,2018)